Shortly before the Jubilee Bridge was erected to link the Lovers' Walks with Matlock Bath, the local paper reported how events were progressing: "The grounds are being rapidly laid out on the north side of the river Derwent at Matlock Bath, and the newly planted lawns inside the rolled walks already are covered with grass, and plots are being ornamented. A deputation was invited to examine the bridge which is to connect the town portion to a part of the estate of the High Sheriff, which has been leased to the Jubilee promoters. On Thursday several members of the committee drove to the Butterley Iron Works, where the bridge was erected prior to it being conveyed to Matlock Bath. The deputation were highly satisfied with the design and the workmanship of the bridge. It will be erected next week^[1]".

Ten years after Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, which was the reason the bridge was built, the country was celebrating again - her Diamond Jubilee. Matlock Bath once again planned to erect a footbridge, this time it was to link the lower part of Lovers' Walks with the southern part of Matlock Bath. It was not to be. Fortunately, the idea didn't totally disappear without trace as in 1969 a beautiful new footbridge was built to link the Derwent Gardens and the Lovers' Walks. It just took over seventy more years.
See Matlock Bath: Jubilee Bridge and the New Bridge, 1960s

The two landing stages next to the river were for the hire of the pleasure boats. There were several along Matlock Bath's riverbank. The one closest to the cameraman on the right of the photograph was later used for dignitaries and their families attending the Venetian Fete, and provided a wonderful view of the boats, the bandstand concert and the fireworks. Once or twice, after heavy rain caused the water level to rise, they were nearly sitting in the river.

In 1906 there had been a dispute about boating rights on the river. The Council had taken over boating rights on the Derwent from Mrs. Leston of Milton House following the enclosure of the promenade the previous year. Mrs. Leston had been Miss Whitworth, a housekeeper and companion, to Mrs. Woodfield and after the latter's death had married Mr. Woodfield; her husband had owned boats and the landing for over 40 years^[2]. He had died on 2 May 1901 and his widow, who inherited his estate^[3], had then married Mr. Leston. During the improvements Matlock Bath UDC had acquired the land next to the landing stage from the Misses Greenhough. Unfortunately, boating had not been mentioned in the Act of Parliament and the Improvements Act^[4] was not obtained to get hold of these rights.

This photograph dates from before 1906, so predates those on the Jubilee Bridge and Derwent, Matlock Bath page.

References:

^[1] "The Derby Mercury", Wednesday, June 1, 1887.

^[2] There are numerous references to Mr. Woodfield.
- Matlock Bath: Venetian Fête (now Venetian Nights), decorated boats;
- the first trade directory entry for him was in Kelly's Directory, 1855;
- the 1891 census with his first wife | 1901 census with his young wife;
- a note of his Will;
- a steroview of his home and Museum on South Parade Matlock Bath, 1870s

^[4] "Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal", 1 May 1907. Boating Rights on the River Derwent.

^[2] The Matlock Bath Improvement Act had become law on 4 August, 1905 when the Royal Assent was given. This signalled changes to the Promenade as it was then enclosed by higher railings. In addition, at least one of the houses on the hillside above had not been built.